### K-pop Group NewJeans Exit Agency Over Allegations of Mistreatment

In a surprising move, the popular K-pop group NewJeans has announced their departure from their agency, Ador, amid serious allegations. The five-member girl band, known for their chart-topping hits, revealed the split at a late-night press conference on Thursday, claiming mistreatment and manipulation by the company.

Hanni, one of the group’s members, accused Ador, which is a subsidiary of the larger label Hybe, of neglecting the group and their staff. She declared, "This is not the type of work ethic we respect and not one we want to be a part of. To continue working under a company with no intention of protecting NewJeans would only do us harm." The band cited issues including miscommunications and manipulation as part of the reasons for their decision.

The split is the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute between former NewJeans producer Min Hee-Jin and Hybe's chairman Bang Si-hyuk, a conflict that has been closely followed by South Korean media. Min, who left Ador in August, was accused of planning to take NewJeans away from Hybe to make them independent, an accusation she has denied.

NewJeans has taken legal action by filing a notice to Ador on November 13, demanding the resolution of contractual breaches within 14 days. They insisted on an apology for alleged bullying by a manager and the reinstatement of Min. Despite fulfilling their current contractual obligations, the band has warned fans they might not be able to use the band's name if the contract is terminated.

Prior to the fallout, NewJeans were bound by a seven-year contract that extends until 2029. In October, the K-pop news site Koreaboo estimated that early termination of the contract would cost the group approximately 300 billion South Korean Won, about £170 million. Haerin, another member of the group, argued against the financial penalty, saying, "We never broke any rules. We did nothing but try our best - they are the ones at fault. Hybe and Ador are the ones responsible."

In response, Ador has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they have not violated the terms of the contract and expressing a desire for continued collaboration. "Despite multiple requests for meetings with the artists, our efforts have not been successful. We hope the members will now be willing to engage in an open and candid discussion," Ador stated.

The controversy surrounding NewJeans has been ongoing for over a year, drawing significant media attention in South Korea. In October, Hanni even testified before the Labour Committee of South Korea's National Assembly, alleging workplace harassment and deliberate neglect by Hybe's senior management.

Since their debut in 2022, NewJeans has risen to fame, becoming one of Hybe's most successful acts alongside BTS. With popular tracks like "Super Shy" and "OMG," the group ranked as the eighth biggest-selling act globally last year and received a nomination for best group at the MTV Awards.

The band members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—are between the ages of 16 and 20. As they navigate the future, their fans remain hopeful for a resolution that permits the group to continue their musical journey.